[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   AUTHORIZING THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER 
   SUFFICIENT GROUNDS EXIST FOR THE IMPEACHMENT OF WILLIAM JEFFERSON 
                CLINTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

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                               speech of

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of beginning a fair 
and focused impeachment inquiry. I will--as every member of the House 
should--cast a vote of conscience on this grave Constitutional matter.
  Let me be clear. I have been appalled by the President's behavior in 
this matter. His affair with Monica Lewinsky was reckless and 
reprehensible. Lying to his family and the American people about it was 
outrageous. He has tarnished the office of the Presidency and his own 
positive record of accomplishment. President Clinton must be held 
accountable.
  The question before us today is not whether or nor there will be an 
inquiry. The question before us is what kind of inquiry will there be.
  I support what the American people are calling for--an expeditious 
impeachment inquiry that will allow our country to being this issue to 
a close and to move on. I cannot in good conscience support an endless 
series of unfocused hearings that may distract Congress from dealing 
with the important issues facing the nation.
  Of course, if the House is presented with further allegations from 
the Independent Counsel, the Judiciary Committee can examine them as 
well.
  But today the House should take a step toward completing this 
inquiry--fairly, thoroughly and quickly. There is no reason we cannot 
finish this by the end of the year.
  Mr. Speaker, I have heard from thousands of my constituents on this 
issue. Their comments and advice range from calling for the President's 
resignation or impeachment to insisting that the House drop the entire 
matter. While they may differ in their beliefs and positions, in the 
end their most common theme is that they want to see this matter come 
to an expeditious resolution.
  We should follow their advice.

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